Robert E. Braithwaite

Mr. Braithwaite graduated from Millersville University in 1970. He joined the Marine Corps and was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in August 1971. After NFO training, he received his wings in May 1972 and reported to MCAS Cherry Point for Bombardier/Navigator training in the A-6 aircraft. In May 1973, First Lieutenant Braithwaite reported for duty with VMA (AW) 224 where he served as the Maintenance Control Officer until July 1976.

Following this tour, Captain Braithwaite attended Amphibious Warfare School from August 1976 until June 1977, and was then reassigned to VMA (AW) 224 as the Assistant Aircraft Maintenance Officer (AAMO). In July 1979, he transferred to NAS Pensacola for duty as a Flight Instructor with VT-86. Upon completion of his training command tour, Major Braithwaite was ordered to HQMC, Washington, D.C. for duty as the Fixed Wing Monitor. Selected for the Marine Corps Command and Staff College, he was reassigned to MCB Quantico for the 1984 school year graduating in June 1985 as an Honor Graduate.

After graduation, Major Braithwaite returned to 2nd MAW and served as the MAG-14 Assistant Admin Officer. In March 1986, he was reassigned within the group to VMA (AW) 332. While assigned to this Squadron, Major Braithwaite served as the Aircraft Maintenance Officer (AMO) and then as the Executive Officer. In January 1989, Lieutenant Colonel Braithwaite was again ordered to HQMC and served as the Aviation Weapons Requirements Officer. Selected for Top Level School, he was reassigned within the D.C. area to the Industrial College of the Armed Forces for the 1990 school year finishing in June 1991 as a Distinguished Graduate.

Upon completion of school, LtCol Braithwaite was ordered to NAS Pensacola for duty as first the Executive Officer and then the Commanding Officer of VT 86. He was promoted to Colonel in September 1993 and assigned to Marine Forces Reserve in New Orleans, where he served as the Assistant Chief of Staff for Base Operations.

Colonel Braithwaite assumed command of Marine Aviation Training Support Group (MATSG) NAS Pensacola in July 1994 and led that command through the merger of MATSG Pensacola and MATSG 90. In July 1997, he reported to 4th MAW for duty as Chief of Staff where he served until retirement from the Marine Corps on 1 January 2001..

Following retirement from the Marine Corps, Mr. Braithwaite was hired by Boeing and served as the Bell-Boeing V-22 Deputy Director for Weapons System Integration and as the Bell-Boeing V-22 Operational Evaluation Coordinator. He left Boeing in August 2004 and returned to Government Service as a member of the Senior Executive Service and served as the Executive Director/Deputy of Marine Forces Reserve until his retirement in April 2012.

Mr. Braithwaite’s personal awards include the Legion of Merit w/Gold Star, Meritorious Service Medal w/two Gold Stars, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal w/Gold Star and the Department of the Navy Superior Civilian Service Award. Mr. Braithwaite is married to the former Debbie Boyd of Pensacola, FL. They have three children; Michael, Scott and Spencer